The Urban League of Broward County host’s youth talent show – with the theme of ‘Black Lives Matter’

The Urban League of Broward County host’s youth talent show – with the theme of ‘Black Lives Matter’

The William Dandy Middle School Dancers under the direction of Ms. McIntyre-Sanford perform an African dance routine during a recent youth talent show sponsored by the ULBC.

By Charles Moseley

The Urban League of Broward County (ULBC) hosted a youth talent show on Feb. 7, entitled ,”Black Lives Matter,” as part of the Black History Month community showcase.

Although the theme of the Urban League Youth Talent Show was titled, “Black Lives Matter,” judging by the display of talented performances put on by the students, the event was a showcase celebration of life and achievement.

Courtnee Biscardi , vice president of Program Operations for the ULBC outlined the many facets which comprise the work of the Urban League’s local operations.

“We’re here to celebrate why Black lives matter. Our young people decided that they wanted to showcase all of their talents academically, spiritually, emotionally and really just demonstrate why the Urban League has an impact in the area of education is so strong.”

William Dandy Middle School Sapphire Dancers Coach Ms. McIntyre- Sanford, reading teacher and eight year dance coach works with a group of students after school.

“I think it’s important for young students to participate in extracurricular activities such as these so they can become well-rounded, although their education is important, it’s also good to have that extra part of it to make you a well-rounded child.”

Eighth grader Monica Roden; captain of the Sapphire Dancers; and seventh grader Dejiah Hill, a two-year veteran with the middle school 21 member dance troupe. They were part of the  14 members of the Sapphire Dance Troupe who participated in the talent show, who performed African dance.

“It’s always important for parents to show their support when their children are involved in activities such as these because the children want to see their parents faces, so they can see how well they’ve been practicing, what they’ve rehearsed and how well it pays off. Tonight we did African dance because it was Black History Month.

We performed African dances because we are African Americans and because it’s our heritage. We did a dance called “Glory.” It was about ending slavery and the Civil Rights Movement,” said Roden.

Joseph Robinson attended the talent show to lend his support for his daughter Alexis, who participated in the evening’s performances. He was joined by all three of his children.

“I think it’s very important for parents to get involved with these activities to support their children because there other activities that they could be involved in which of course will determine their own path. This Urban League activity was held in a positive environment and was a positive program, to help influence them and strengthen their knowledge of Black History and Black culture,” said Robinson.

Courtnee Biscardi, vice president of Program Operations for the Urban League of Broward County outlined the many facets which comprise the work of the Urban League’s local operations.

“We’re here to celebrate why Black lives matter. Our young people decided that they wanted to showcase all of their talents academically, spiritually, emotionally and really just demonstrate why the Urban League has an impact in the area of education is so strong.”

Members of the Urban League’s After School Program designed for middle school age youth who work with a team of case managers, tutors, counselors’ prevention specialists every day after school providing academic support and enrichment activities. The program also promotes healthy eating and exercise according to Biscardi.

“There are a number of ways for people in the community to interact with the Urban League. Whether it’s through our education programming such as this; our jobs initiatives where we provide job training workshops around soft skills. We help with placement in terms of getting jobs. Whether it’s our area of health educating around diabetes prevention helping with folks who want to get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act; healthy care education for pregnant women as well as housing. if families want to purchase housing we do credit counseling and alike as well as help prevent foreclosures from taking place for families. Everything that we do is for the entire family,” added Biscardi.